Stride is such a triumph of instinct and athleticism that it always amazes me. Here’s a rare clip of the American pianist Joe Turner (not to be confused with Big Joe Turner) — who appeared in 1931 as one half of a duo backing the singer Adelaide Hall. The other pianist? A kid from Ohio named Tatum.
I love what I call Jazz Manglish — so James P.’s title, an admonitory KEEP OFF THE GRASS, is transformed here into KEEPING OUT OF THE GRASS, which is gentler and more descriptive, but hardly the same thing. We know what it means, though. And it seems as if stride demands a cigar — think of the Lion and James P. — although Fats got by with cigarettes. But he was Fats, of course.
2 responses so far ↓
Nancie Beaven // February 27, 2009 at 12:36 AM
Michael:
Since the 18th I’ve wanted to reply, and each day gets even better….I start and my 100 yr old aunt calls for aid….and I don’t get back to it
(
Jazz Lives is my salvation…and you just need to know how very much each new post is such a lift to my spirit….and I get a snipit of what I can no longer see in person in the big apple. Thanks again and again for all you do.
Bill Haesler // February 27, 2009 at 6:29 PM
Dear Michael,
Thank you for the great Joe Turner video clip. Do you have the source details?
I’ve been a Joe Turner fan for decades, but have never seen him on film before.
However, he is well-represented in my record collection.
Perhaps I should mention that the Oct 1931 duo-piano backing to Adelaide Hall was recorded in London with Joe Turner and her regular pianist Francis J Carter.
The duo-piano sides with young Art Tatum were made for Brunswick in New York on 10 Aug 1932, also with Francis J Carter.
Kind regards,
Bill.